Scientific Name: Richea procera Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region

Common Name: lax candleheath

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Ericaceae

Form Description: Shrub, sparingly branched.

Height (m): 0.5 – 3

Flowers: Solitary, the base of flower surrounded by 2-6 bracts, the 2 outer ones prominently keeled.

Fruit: Capsule

Municipality
Central HighlandsDerwent ValleyHobartHuon ValleyKentishKingboroughLauncestonMeander ValleyNorthern MidlandsSouthern MidlandsWest Coast
Plant Communities
Alpine and Sub-alpine VegetationHeath
Habitat Notes

Occasional and locally frequent from sea level to about 800m. Rare in low altitude alpine heath in the eastern mountains, more common in sub-alpine woodland and forest.

Site Tolerance

Moist, Shady

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Well-drained

General Notes

Very similar to Richea sprengelioides but with narrower, more lax leaves. A well-composted soil is essential and care should be taken to prevent plants from drying out. Some overhead shade is desirable.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed, Cuttings

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Collect the capsules just prior to opening, while they are still green.

Seed Treatment Method

Smoke Smoke treatment improves germination in some species. Smokey products, e.g. smokey vermiculite, can be purchased and applied to the sown seed, or sown seeds can be treated directly with smoke from a source such as a drum with a fire and hose.

Seed Storage Life

Short

Seed Treatment Notes

Can be grown from fresh seed. Surface sow or lightly cover. Do not sow too thinly or thickly. Smoke treatment may improve results. The very small seedlings should be pricked out as soon as possible as they develop long fine roots. A well-composted soil is essential and care should be taken not to let plants dry out. Some overhead shade is desirable.

Cutting & Division Information

Can be grown from cuttings, although some species are difficult.